November 11, 2022

Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil. No they aren't the same thing

Uday Shanker

From how the oils are produced to their various benefits, we've got answers to all your questions.

Don’t hemp seed oil and cannabidiol (CBD) oil come from the same plant? I heard that hemp seed oil has psychoactive properties, is that true? Is it safe to consume CBD and hemp seed oil? Which is better at improving immunity?

Everyday, we hear so many, many questions about these oils — from how they are produced, to their various properties — that we thought why not break it down for you.

Where the oil comes from

First off, both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are sourced from the same plant species — cannabis. But they are not the same. While hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, a variety of the cannabis plant, CBD oil is sourced from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the cannabis and hemp plants.

How the oil is made

The cold-press method is used to make hemp seed oil. Here oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant without using any heat or chemicals. In this way, hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients. CBD oil is made using the extraction process. This is done using carbon dioxide. Once the cannabinoid content is removed from the leaves, flowers and stalks of a hemp plant, it is added to a carrier oil, like olive oil or sunflower oil, to produce CBD oil.

What benefits does hemp seed oil have?

Hemp seed oil can massively boost your omega intake. It contains omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) essential fatty acids. These are healthy fats that do a world of good for your body. When you include omega in your diet, your skin, hair and nails look better, your cardiovascular health improves, PMS symptoms reduce, inflammation is controlled and immunity is raised. This oil also contains a plethora of important macronutrients, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. So, your body gets the vital nutrients it needs to stay at its healthy best.

What benefits does CBD oil have?

It contains cannabinoid, a chemical naturally found in marijuana plants. Please note that this compound has no psychoactive properties. What it does have is a host of health benefits. CBD is said to restore the body’s natural balance, as well as regulate mood and temperature. It can also be used to find relief from chronic pain, control anxiety and depression, reduce inflammation, and heal skin diseases.

Nutritionally, hemp seed oil scores better, though there is no denying the health benefits of CBD Oil when it comes to treating a variety of health issues.

Can these oils get you high?

Nope, no and no again. Even though both oils come from the cannabis plant species they do not have psychoactive properties. When it comes to CBD oil, the type of cannabinoid used does not have the ability to intoxicate or cause a high. That is only possible by another cannabinoid compound– Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. For hemp seed oil, the hemp plant, from which it is made, has a THC value of 0.3% or less. This is too low to alter one’s mood or provide a ‘high’.

Read about the history of hemp in India

How do you use the oil?

Hemp seed oil has a nutty flavour and tastes great. Add it to salad dressing. It can also be applied topically for dry skin and other conditions.

CBD oil is most often used topically in pain relief creams, though it is available as gummies. The oil is even found in pet products and beauty products.

So, both hemp seed oil and CBD oil can be applied or ingested. Research is ongoing, and the oils’ health benefits are constantly being backed by science. While hemp seed oil is great to boost overall health, CBD oil can treat pain, anxiety and more, in a safe and natural way.